CdO declares Duterte, Bong Go as adopted sons

Former president Rodrigo Duterte and Sen. Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go. Photo from Bong Go Fb page

By Javier Joe Ismael

THE city government of Cagayan de Oro on Thursday, March 23, declared former president Rodrigo Duterte and Sen. Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go as adopted sons of the city.

The city government acknowledged Go's notable contributions, not only to the city but to the nation as a whole.

In the same event, the city government recognized former president Duterte as its adopted son, highlighting his legacy programs that have significantly contributed to the progress of the country during his term, such as the Build, Build, Build program and his war against illegal drugs.

"With due respect to all of you, we always hear from our countrymen thanking former president (Rodrigo) Duterte, and me. Please do not take it against us, but you don't have to thank us. As what former president Duterte have repeatedly said in the past: 'this is our job'," said Go during his speech at Limketkai Luxe Hotel on Thursday, March 23.

"Instead, we should be the ones who should thank you because you gave us the opportunity to serve all of you. Thank you very much for your support then for the former president. His administration would have not succeeded if not for your support, especially from those from Mindanao," he added.

By virtue of Sangguniang Panlungsod Resolution 14480 presented by City Mayor Rolando "Klarex" Uy, the adoption of Go as the son of the city was in recognition of his unwavering efforts in serving the city and its constituents.

As cited, the senator was instrumental in implementing various programs and projects that benefited the city and the entire Mindanao. Among these were the infrastructure projects, the establishment of health facilities, and the provision of aid and assistance to those affected by disasters and emergencies.

Go has also been persistent in supporting residents of the city who are in crisis situations, particularly those affected by disasters. For this reason, the senator expressed his commitment that he will remain determined in bringing much-needed assistance to ensure residents get back on their feet.

The resolution also states, "Senator Bong Go has invariably supported the programs and projects of the City Government aimed at serving and providing quality health services to its poor constituents."

The senator initiated the Malasakit Centers program which was institutionalized under Republic Act 11463, principally sponsored and authored by Go. The said measure has already established 156 operational centers, including those at Northern Mindanao Medical Center and JR Borja General Hospital located in the city.

A brainchild of Go, the Malasakit Center brings together all concerned agencies under one roof to provide poor and indigent patients with convenient access to available medical assistance programs to help reduce their medical expenses to the lowest amount possible.

TB may be fatal, don’t ignore it

BY MANILA BULLETIN

  

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Today is World TB Day.

But who cares about tuberculosis, a deadly and infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria?

While it used to be alarming, it appears now that the disease is no longer a cause for concern as far as the public is concerned.
Probably, this complacent attitude toward the highly transmissible disease was developed after treatment was discovered.

While TB is curable with a regimen of antibiotics, it remains a fact that it is a leading cause of death in the world and, therefore, should not be swept under the rug. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that TB is the world’s 13th leading cause of death and the second leading infectious killer after Covid-19. WHO said almost a quarter of the world population is infected by TB.

Besides, there is a type of TB that is resistant to drugs — the Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB). According to WHO and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the United States, MDR-TB is caused by an organism that is resistant to at least isoniazid and rifampin, the two most potent TB drugs.

So, how does drug resistance develop?

According to the CDC, “resistance to anti-TB drugs can occur when these drugs are misused or mismanaged.” It cited instances such as patients’ failure to complete the full course of treatment; health-care providers prescribing the wrong treatment, the wrong dose, or length of time for taking the drugs; lack of drug supply; or poor drug quality.

Who is at risk of contracting MDR-TB?

According to the CDC, drug resistance is more common in people who do not take their TB medicine regularly, those who develop TB disease again after having taken TB medicine in the past, those who come from areas where drug-resistant TB is common, and those who have spent time with a carrier of drug-resistant TB disease.

Not everything is hopeless with MDR-TB. While it is resistant to the two most potent drugs, MDR-TB is treatable and curable by using second-line drugs. But the WHO cautioned that the second-line treatment options are limited and require extensive chemotherapy (at least nine months and up to 20 months of treatment) with medicines that are expensive and toxic.

In some cases, WHO said more extensive drug resistance can develop. That leaves patients with limited treatment options.
How does TB and MDR-TB spread?

According to the CDC, “TB bacteria are put into the air when a person with TB disease coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. These bacteria can float in the air for several hours, depending on the environment. Persons who breathe in the air containing these TB bacteria can become infected.”

And contrary to beliefs, the CDC said TB is not spread by the shaking of someone’s hand, sharing of food or drinks, touching bed linens or toilet seats, sharing toothbrushes, and kissing.

To remind the world that it is possible to overcome this highly transmissible disease, this year’s theme for World TB Day is “Yes! We can end TB!” It “aims to inspire hope and encourages high-level leadership, increased investments, faster uptake of new WHO recommendations, adoption of innovations, accelerated action and multisectoral collaboration to combat the TB epidemic.”

A concerted effort is necessary to address tuberculosis as it remains one of the top causes of death in the world.

In her speech for this year’s World TB Day, which is observed every 24th of March, WHO Global Tuberculosis Program chairman Tereza Kasaeva, disclosed that close to 4,400 die of TB each day, while close to 30,000 fall ill.

With this development, the public should not take TB for granted.

We should treat this infectious disease with the same urgency as we did with Covid-19 and other illnesses.

In getting a 13A visa for the Philippines, what type of blood serology is required?

Marjun Magalona

8 Years Working as A Branch Manager. Hobbit Writing Blog

As far as I know, there is no specific blood serology required for obtaining a 13A visa in the Philippines. A 13A visa is a type of visa for foreign nationals who are married to a Filipino citizen and wish to reside in the Philippines for an extended period.

However, the Bureau of Quarantine may require a medical examination for certain types of visa applications, which may include blood tests such as a serology test. The Bureau of Quarantine may require this test to determine the presence of infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B or C, and other sexually transmitted diseases.

It's best to consult with the Philippine embassy or consulate in your country of residence for specific requirements and guidelines regarding the 13A visa application process.

i hope this will help you.